The Subjective Work of the Cross

The Subjective Work of the Cross

“I have suffered the loss of all things… that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” PHILIPPIANS 3:8,10 A disciple of Jesus is not someone who mentally embraces the idea of a crucified Christ, nor is it someone who simply reads and accepts the historical record of the crucifixion. A disciple of Jesus is one who enters into the experience of the Cross and is personally acquainted and familiar with it. He has taken up his own Cross and followed in the footsteps of Christ. The objective work of the Cross was accomplished when Christ was crucified; the subjective work of the Cross is accomplished when I daily deny myself, take up my Cross, and follow after Him. His work on the Cross is finished and complete; my work through the Cross is ongoing. The Cross He bore accomplished the work of redemption, while the Cross I bear accomplishes the work of spiritual maturity. ​​​​​​​Source: “Embrace the Cross” by Chip Brogden http://www.chipbrogden.com/embrace-the-cross Like this? Share your comments: http://www.chipbrogden.com/may29 I am your brother,

Chip Brogden

Spiritual Strength

Spiritual Strength

“When I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 CORINTHIANS 12:10 The way of the world says that in order to be stronger, we must build ourselves up and seek strength and dominance over others. Christians everywhere are keenly interested in how to be increased, how to be stronger, how to take authority, how to rise up, how to get more. They look for methods, formulas, and techniques for becoming bigger and better. The results have been disappointing. Many mistakes have been made and many people have been hurt and disillusioned. The Lord has a different approach for us to take. He invites us to accept weakness in order to be strengthened. We do not become strong by embracing strength, but by embracing weakness! This is the secret of all spiritual power. When Paul learned this secret he was able to say, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” This makes no sense to the natural man. ​​​​​​​Source: “Embrace the Cross” by Chip Brogden http://www.chipbrogden.com/embrace-the-cross Like this? Share your comments: http://www.chipbrogden.com/may30 I am your brother,

Chip Brogden

Yielding Always

Yielding Always

“Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” LUKE 14:27 Embracing the Cross is not a once-and-for-all act, but a daily attitude of knowing our insufficiency in order to know the sufficiency of Christ. Jesus asks us to take up the Cross “daily” (Luke 9:23) and Paul said “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). Since we daily meet with temptations, tests and trials, so we must daily affirm and reaffirm who we are in Christ: the crucified, dead, buried, resurrected, ascended and seated Branches of the crucified, dead, buried, resurrected, ascended, and seated Vine. As disciples we take up the Cross daily, which means we are always in a state of surrender and submission to the Lord Jesus, constantly forsaking our own way for His Way. This moment-by-moment yielding to Him is summed up in this saying: “Not I, but Christ” (Galatians 2:20). Source: “Embrace the Cross” by Chip Brogden http://www.chipbrogden.com/embrace-the-cross Like this? Share your comments: http://www.chipbrogden.com/may23 I am your brother,

Chip Brogden

My Favorite Things

My Favorite Things (Summer Edition)

The school finish line is within sight but I'm crawling, people. Crawling. 

This year has been a great one in terms of family (We have a teenager now, which I am truly excited about!), in terms of church (We'll celebrate 8 years at the end of the summer!), and in terms of writing (I turned in my next book--on friendship--in March!). The Lord has seen me through some touch-and-go times this year, but in the end I can say that He is changing my heart slowly but surely. There has been so much abundance this year that my husband and I have had multiple conversations about how we can "steward the abundance" well.

Although it's been good, I'm still ready for the school year to come to a close. I'm ready for sun and heat (neither have been around much yet here in Virginia), slow mornings, and a whole lotta down time with my boys. Yes, really.

In honor of the summer fun ahead, I want to share with you some of my current favorite things. I hope that they'll add a little fun and flare to your summer as well.

Dude Perfect
Dude Perfect is a group of five guys who film themselves doing crazy trick shots. They now have a weekly show on CMT where they basically do stupid guy stuff and prepare for their trick shot videos. My boys LOVE Dude Perfect, and I love that they love these videos because they are super fun, hilarious, amazing, and 100% family-friendly. Oh, and the Dude Perfect guys are Aggies, so it helps with the brainwashing. My oldest son got a Dude Perfect indoor basketball goal for his birthday and my kitchen has now become a trick-shot zone.

Hope*Writers Podcast
As a writer, I'm always looking for encouraging and practical resources from fellow writers and bloggers. I've found the Hope*Writer's Podcast (by Emily Freeman and Myquillin Smith) to be both deeply encouraging and helpful. I especially loved the Instagram episode, because I love Instagram, but I have no idea what I'm doing with mine. If you're an aspiring writer, you'll definitely want to check out the podcast. (And have you seen my advice post for writers?)

Speaking of Podcasts...
I absolutely loved and continue to think about Jen Wilkin's one-off talk (at A&M no less), Robe Your Minds for Action.

Books, Books, and More Books
If I like a book, I recommend it to everyone I know (and give it 5 stars on Goodreads). The books I find myself recommending most lately are Unashamed by Lecrae Moore, Galatians For You by Tim Keller, and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. (And I continue to talk about The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson.)

Man Weekend
I don't remember if it was my idea or my husband's, but I want to share an idea with those of you anticipating a child's milestone birthday or event. When our oldest son turned 13 last week, my husband planned a "Man Weekend" for him. He invited men from our church who know our son to go away for a night with the two of them. They played Knock-Out, blasted each other with water balloons, and ate lots of food, but the point of the getaway was for each man to help our son know what it means to be a godly man. They talked to him about following God, how to treat women, honoring God through sports, and friendship....at least that's what I hear; I wasn't invited :) I was at home praying for my son to have ears to hear! What a blessing to have men like this in his life.

Cajun Shrimp
Last summer for my birthday, my friends gave me a bag full of their favorite beauty items. My friend Susan gave me her go-to nail polish, Opi's Cajun Shrimp. I've had it on my toes ever since!

Go-To Food: Pioneer Woman's Dinnertime Cookbook
Did I mention that I have three growing boys? Man, can they eat! The Pioneer Woman knows something about cooking for hungry (cow)boys, so my favorite recipes these days are from her Dinnertime Cookbook. I especially like the freezer meals, such as the homemade Taco Filling.

The LongReads Weekly
I'm a HUGE fan of longform writing. Recently, I subscribed to the LongReads Weekly newsletter, a compiled list of the week's best longform writing from all across the interwebs, and I look forward to it popping into my inbox each Friday.

Music
I have Sandra McCracken's Psalms, Ellie Holcomb's As Sure as the Sun, and United Pursuit's song Hidden on repeat.

King of the Court
Fun fact: I like to play sports. I grew up playing softball and played up until a few years ago when my kids' sports schedule gobbled my time right up. Currently, I'm binge-playing tennis. My husband, who beats me at everything, humors me, as does my friend Amy, who also beats me at everything. So instead of getting creamed, sometimes we play King of the Court, which basically means that I lose to two people instead of just one.

TGC Women's Conference
Can't wait! Anyone going? I'd love to meet you!

Happy Start to Summer, Friends! What are your current favorite things? 

Heavenly Perception

Heavenly Perception

“God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us… raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” EPHESIANS 2:4,6 The difference between those who overcome and those who do not overcome is a difference in their own PERCEIVED position. We all ought to perceive that in Christ we are seated in the heavenly places. We cannot overcome without this perception, this seeing, this revelation. If our perception is earthly, we will remain earthly. If our perception is heavenly, we will overcome. Source: “Lord of All” by Chip Brogden http://www.chipbrogden.com/lord-of-all Like this? Share your comments: http://www.chipbrogden.com/may27 I am your brother,

Chip Brogden

The Age of Miracles

The Age of Miracles

“God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.” HEBREWS 2:4 When people are healed and delivered it gives us a taste of what conditions are like when Christ has preeminence over all things. Miracles give us a glimpse of a future time when He will make all things new and there will be “no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). What we consider miraculous in this Age will be commonplace in the Age to come. Source: “The Irresistible Kingdom” by Chip Brogden http://www.chipbrogden.com/the-irresistible-kingdom Like this? Share your comments: http://www.chipbrogden.com/may25 I am your brother,

Chip Brogden

Stubborn Sheep

Stubborn Sheep

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one, to his own way.” ISAIAH 53:6 Sheep are notorious for going their own independent way and ignoring the Shepherd. The Shepherd is well able to protect His Sheep; the Shepherd’s challenge is to get the Sheep to stay close to Him at all times. To accomplish this He has to discipline us severely and teach us not to wander off. This is where the work of the Cross comes in. But what a great day for both the Shepherd and the stubborn little sheep when it no longer goes its own way, but follows the Shepherd and obeys His voice! Were it not for Him the lambs would be destroyed in a moment. Source: "Embrace the Cross” by Chip Brogden http://www.chipbrogden.com/embrace-the-cross Like this? Share your comments: http://www.chipbrogden.com/may19 I am your brother,

Chip Brogden

See as I See

See as I See

My child, I understand that you don't always understand why certain things happen in your life, and you are sitting there questioning why you had to face this pressure, and suffer this challenge.
My child, instead of looking at the pressure and the challenge you are facing, look into my eyes. As you look into my eyes, you will see as I see, you will understand as I do, and you will know what to do in each situation that you are going through.
So, instead of trying to figure out what is wrong and why all these things are happening, just look into my eyes, just trust in me, says the Lord.
For I am with you. I am the answer to each and everyone of your questions, I have a way out of each difficult situation and I have a solution for each problem you are faced with. All you have to do is dare to look into my eyes, and see as I see.
I love you dearly and I am here for you even now says the Lord.

Go Where I Lead

Go Where I Lead

When someone wants to give you a surprise and they blindfold you, there is this expectation of something good, of a surprise that has been planned out in advance, like a party or a gift.
It is like this for Me as well, my child. There are many times that I do not reveal what is going to happen, or the next turn that you are to take because there is a specific purpose. I will never leave you to wander blindly alone, but take my hand and let me lead you. Feel the warmth in my hands and know that I will not let you stumble or fall.
Know that wherever I am leading you, that there is something good ahead, and that I have made every plan and every provision for where you go and where you step next. So, when you cannot see ahead of you, trust that I am there, and that I am leading you in the way that you should go.
Rest in every step that you take with me, and walk boldly, knowing that there are blessings and every good thing in my plan ahead of you

Fit to Follow

Fit to Follow

“Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” MATTHEW 16:25 Some will say, “I am willing to die now that I have followed.” The person who knows the Cross says, “I am fit to follow now that I have died.” Why is this important? Because Jesus knows that no human being is qualified to follow Him until they have first died. Jesus knows a man cannot live until he has died and been raised to life again. He therefore bids us to die right away, that He may raise us from the dead by His Indwelling Spirit and place us immediately upon the correct path. Source: “Embrace the Cross” by Chip Brogden http://www.chipbrogden.com/embrace-the-cross Like this? Share your comments: http://www.chipbrogden.com/may21 I am your brother,

Chip Brogden

Witnessing Wisdom

Witnessing Wisdom

“Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” ACTS 10:20 The success of the mission to Cornelius’ house had less to do with Peter’s ability to speak and more to do with the audience’s ability to hear. When we speak only to whom we are sent then we will see dramatic results. Trying to speak to everyone in general and no one in particular is a colossal waste of time and demonstrates poor stewardship. We ought not to give ten coins to someone who can only handle five, and we ought not to give five coins to someone who cannot handle even one. It is clear that much time is wasted trying to convince, persuade, plead, argue, teach, and help people to whom God has not sent us. If we will wait for the Spirit of God we will save ourselves a lot of time, effort and energy. A worker who indiscriminately throws precious seed on rocky ground and gives pearls to pigs is not being a wise, faithful, and profitable servant. Source: “The Church in the Wilderness” by Chip Brogden http://www.chipbrogden.com/the-church-in-the-wilderness Like this? Share your comments: http://www.chipbrogden.com/may22 I am your brother,

Chip Brogden

Take My Hand

Take My Hand

When you take on the day my child, remember to come to me and fill up with everything that you need for the day. Take my hand and let us walk through not only this journey, but each and every day, and each and every moment together. For I see what lies ahead of you. I see what will trip you up, what will discourage you, as well as the blessings I have planned for you to receive.
So, take my hand. Let me lead you moment to moment whether it is to lead you around a stumbling block or to give you the strength to overcome what comes your way. Let me guide you to the green grass and still water that you desire, or to teach you how to use the weapons that I have given you.
For the journey is not just about what you do, or what you accomplish. It is the fact that we walk this road together, and that we get to spend these moments together!

You Have Overcome

You Have Overcome

As the lightning flashes and the thunder roars in your life, it is so easy to get discouraged. It is easy to forget that beyond the darkness, there is light. It is easy to remember that the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy.
However, what about remembering the part where I tell you that I have come to bring you life, joy, and peace? What about remembering that I will reward you for your good works?
My love, as much as the lightning and the thunder roars, I want you to remember that I can walk on water and so can you. I can tread on serpents and so can you. I have already overcome the enemy, and so have you, says the Lord.

"Not I, But Christ"

"Not I, But Christ"

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” GALATIANS 2:20 Just as salvation is ours through faith by grace, and not of ourselves, so it is with living the Christian life. The difference between a defeated Christian and a victorious Christian is simply this: the former lives by his own power and asks for God’s help and will almost as an afterthought, while the latter despairs of himself, lays down his life, and trusts Christ to live in his place, at all times. The Cross is how God accomplishes this task of bringing us to the end of ourselves. Then we can say, “Not I, but Christ.” Source: “Embrace the Cross” by Chip Brogden http://www.chipbrogden.com/embrace-the-cross Like this? Share your comments: http://www.chipbrogden.com/may12 I am your brother,

Chip Brogden

Through Years of Tears I Have Come

Through Years of Tears I Have Come I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-3 My oldest son turns 13 tomorrow, making him an official teenager, evidenced not only by the calendar but by his deepening voice. The planned celebration of this child has now expanded across three days, first with our family, then a getaway with his dad and treasured men in his life to learn how to be a godly man, and then, finally, with his friends. Friends. Did you just run your eyes quickly over that word? I didn't. When I typed it and read it back to myself, my heart stopped there to marvel, the tears pooling in the corner of my eyes. Ten years ago I was crying different tears over this boy. They were bitter, desperate, pleading tears that soaked and salted my entire life. Like a broken faucet, I couldn't restrain their constant dripping. I cried throughout worship at church, unable to sing the words and mean them. I cried while driving the car with my son in the backseat and another in my womb. I cried in my bed, clinging to my husband, broken at the sight of his tears mirroring my own. Always, I cried after interacting with other people's children whose affront to me was simply being typical, everyday kids who were hitting all their milestones. At night, after my little boy had fallen asleep, I'd slip into his room, kneel beside his bed, stroke his hair back, and beg God to heal him. The tears that came then were guttural and desperate. I'd imagine what that healing might look like and pray specifically for those things: the ability to form sentences and communicate his needs, answer simple questions, and write his name one day. Can you do this God? It seems hopeless, impossible. The list went on anyway: an interest in others, no more echoing, basic self-help skills, some sort of emotional connection with me and with his dad, an understanding of God and the gospel, the capability to one day live on his own. And a friend. Lord, let him one day have a friend.  The first 8-10 years of his life were the hardest years of mine. I prayed myself through years of tears, the bitter ones finally turning to resolve. I prayed hard, but I also worked hard, because nothing came easy and everything--everything--had to be taught. I charged at autism with the fierceness and conviction of a mama bear with her cub. I have fought for him in every way I've known how, yet all along aware of my powerlessness to change him, all along begging God to help him and heal him. And God has done it. I used to think of healing as always instantaneous and complete. That is not the healing God has done for my son. Instead, He has healed him and continues to heal him over time in small, supernatural ways: Two words strung together. Writing his name. Answering "wh" questions: what? where? who? Tying shoes. Looking at others in the eye. Doing school work they said he could never do. Showing empathy and compassion. Understanding humor and inferences. And making friends.  God has helped and healed not only my son but also my own heart. I used to think I was so in control, that I could shape my life according to my own desires and dreams. I used to have little compassion for the hurting or the outcast. I used to believe that God would give me my definition of good things based upon my good behavior. I used to place my hope in perishable, self-centered idols. Now I know He is sovereign, He is near to the brokenhearted, He is my hope, and that He gives His definition of good things from His grace alone. His definition of good things, I've learned, is so much better than mine, even though it's been the gift of joy borne from suffering. Because we moved to a new city when my son was five, no one outside of our family has seen the full scope of what God has done. So let me tell you what He has done: He has never left me. He has wiped away my despairing tears and given me a tender heart. He has listened to my cry and answered me. He has held and helped my son every step of the way. He has received my lamentation and put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God. Won't you see my son's story and trust Him today? Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His discipled asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him." John 9:1-3

The Most Basic Lesson

The Most Basic Lesson

“I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells.” ROMANS 7:18 It is a great day for the Lord when a disciple of Jesus learns this most basic lesson: that in “me,” in myself, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. This is a very difficult thing for people to learn. Jesus says that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). This verse is very well-known. Even so, Christians still attempt to do many things apart from the Lord. We feel like we simply must do something, anything. And even though the Bible says there is nothing good in our flesh, and the flesh profits nothing, we spend a lot of time doing fleshly things apart from the Spirit of Jesus, thinking they are good and profitable. It is impossible to say for sure just how many of the things we “feel led” to do and say are actually just things we feel like doing and saying. A lot of the time the Lord has very little to do with it. Source: "Embrace the Cross” by Chip Brogden http://www.chipbrogden.com/embrace-the-cross Like this? Share your comments: http://www.chipbrogden.com/may18 I am your brother,

Chip Brogden